Saudis Bomb Yemen Palace as War Takes New Turn With Saleh Death
- Ex-president had split with Houthi rebels, moved to Saudi camp
- His killing may escalate conflict, deepen humanitarian crisis
Photographer: Mohammed Huwais/AFP via Getty Images
Saudi Arabian warplanes bombed the presidential palace in Yemen’s capital, stepping up attacks on Houthi rebels after they killed the country’s former president just when he appeared set to switch sides and offer the Saudis a way out of the conflict.
The palace in Sana’a, currently used by the Houthi leadership, was pounded by at least seven airstrikes late Monday, local media reported. It’s the first time the building has been targeted in almost three years of war. Earlier, the rebels said they had killed ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh, whose alliance with the Houthis had helped them control large parts of the country, including the capital, since 2014. The pact broke down in recent days, triggering clashes between the one-time partners.